It's just a guess, but perhaps the confusion stems from the term "reside". Is it possible that some representatives of Aikikai Hombu were sent to France earlier on a visiting, or temporary, basis, to formally introduce Aikido to the region, while others were sent later as permanent residents, with the intention of setting up networks there? Inquiring minds want to know... (In any case, both Stan Pranin and Peter Goldsbury are very well-researched and credible sources, so I'd bet there is a plausible explanation for this disparity.)